FAQs concerning the AP Physics C Course at Poly

What is AP Physics about? The Advanced Placement Physics course at the Polytechnic School is a daily, calculus-based, introductory physics course. It includes a detailed study of classical (Newtonian) mechanics the first semester, and a lengthy exploration of electricity and magnetism the second semester. Topics not covered in this course, unfortunately, are optics, relativity, and quantum mechanics. By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared to take the AP Physics C examinations offered by the College Board in May of each year.
How difficult is this class? Is there a lot of homework? Simply, this is a really hard class for most people. It's difficult because the material can get kind of strange, the math can be kind of funky, and we cover material really, really quickly. Lectures in class attempt to cover as much material as possible, but you can expect to spend a lot of time on your own and with friends doing homework, puzzling over sample problems, and being frustrated. It's all part of the fun!
What are the advantages and disadvantages to taking AP Physics, compared to the regular and Honors Physics classes at Polytechnic? Advantages to taking AP Physics: you'll be preparing yourself for college by challenging yourself with one of the most difficult courses Poly offers, you'll get to work with other great students (and a great instructor!), you'll learn what calculus is actually used for, you'll enhance your transcript and grade point average, ...
Disadvantages to taking AP Physics: you'll have less time to enjoy your senior year, you may find the material confusing and difficult, you won't cover as much material as is covered in the regular and Honors physics classes, ...
If I take the AP Physics class, do I have to take the AP Physics tests? The curriculum for this course is specifically designed to prepare you for taking the AP Physics C tests, and it is expected that all students in the course will take these tests! If you are not interested in taking the AP tests, you should take a different physics course.
Do I need to know calculus to take the class? No, but if you haven't taken calculus, you should be concurrently enrolled in Poly's Calculus BC course.
Can I take the AP Physics examination in May even if I'm not enrolled in the class? Yes. You'll need to sign up to take the test in March or April -- be sure to check the school bulletin for announcements regarding signup dates and times, or check with an AP teacher.